(Ireland) Over 1,000 children may not have special class places this fall
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Special Education, Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh TD, has said that government must ramp up investment to meet demand for special class placements.
Her comments come as it was reported that over 1,000 children may go without the special class places this September, despite having a recommendation for one.
Deputy Ni Raghallaigh slammed the Government for their consistently chaotic approach in this policy area.
Teachta Ní Raghallaigh said:
“Things are going from bad to worse in special education.
“Hot on the heels of the SNA fiasco, we have another disaster hurtling down the tracks, with reports that there will be a shortage of 200 special classes for academic year 2026/2027.
“This means that approximately 1,200 children are likely to not have an appropriate school place in September. This is on top of the very many pupils who are already in inappropriate places due to an overall lack of provision. . . .
“The Taoiseach has stated that the demand is “over and above anything contemplated”. Improved data-gathering and inter-departmental coordination could have helped us avoid this regrettable situation.
“The Taoiseach’s remarks are insensitive to families, who are worried sick not knowing if their child will be able to go to school with their peers in September.
“I am in contact with dozens of families who are stuck in limbo, left to wonder what will happen to their children. This is deeply unfair.
“This government keeps showing itself to be out of touch with the reality of families living with disabilities all across this state.
“Pointing to headline figures of increased investment in absolute terms is not good enough. It is insulting to families whose children are not getting the fair shot at an education that they deserve.
“We need a commitment from government that every child who requires a special class place will have one this September.
“It is absolutely possible to deliver for these children if the political will is there, as we have seen with the SNA crisis this week. I am aware of many, many schools who are waiting for the green light. The Department has Section 29 at its disposal.
“Our children’s education and futures is not an area where we should be penny-pinching.
“Unless government take decisive steps as a matter of urgency, we are headed towards another completely unnecessary crisis in special education.”
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